2014 Mazda Mazda5 GS 6MT

The 2014 Mazda Mazda5 may very well be the smallest family minivan on the market. With six seats, a decent engine and delightful exterior design, this car is perfect for small families. Though its fuel economy isn’t as impressive as in certain other vehicles, it’s still low enough to be economical.

The 2014 Mazda Mazda5 is a six-seat family minivan that benefits significantly from its delightful simplicity. The purpose of a minivan is simple too – it’s meant to be an affordable means of transportation for smaller families who are transitioning form the college years to the mortgage and child care years. So, if you just got your first home, while your kids are still in their early years, then you probably don’t need to invest into something like a crossover. A quality minivan, such as the 2014 Mazda5, may be a much better option in your case.

This car first appeared on the streets two years ago – when it still looked like a boxy little hatchback. Today’s Mazda5 keeps the overall spirit of the older models intact, but makes a few changes along the way. For instance, its fenders have a more aggressive look to them, while its creases and surfaces exhibit more curves and elegance. It looks surprisingly sporty for a minivan, which gives it an edge over its competitors, like the Honda Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan. It’s hard to find a pretty minivan these days, but we’re happy to say that the Mazda5 is one of them.

On the inside, however, it’s far less impressive. Though the overall design of the cabin is understatedly simple and modern, there’s much to be desired in terms of quality. For instance, the instrument panel features one of the worst plastics in any car this year, which is saying a lot. You’ll also find that the black plastic around the shift faceplate is easy to scratch, while the boot around the shifter looks outdated and just plain ugly. Due to the simplicity of the design, it’s very easy to notice all these flaws, which is why the cabin isn’t quite as good as it could have been.

In terms of space, however, this minivan is surprisingly accommodating – given that it’s only a six-seat compact vehicle. Though the front seats are smaller than what you’d find in regular minivans, the second-row seats offer enough space for both adults and children. The third-row area is unfortunately only good for smaller kids – these seats are definitely on the uncomfortable side. That said, you can fold them flat to expand the already impressive cargo area to make at least some use of them.

Under the hood, you’ll find a very decent 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which can give you 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It can be paired either with a six-speed manual transmission, which comes as a standard, or a five-speed automatic transmission. No matter what transmission you choose, the car isn’t particularly quick – but it is unexpectedly agile, which makes it easy to maneuver around those tight corners. The fuel economy is not bad either since its EPA rating is down to 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. That said, bigger cars like the Ford C-Max and Toyota Prius V provide much more economical numbers.

Overall, the 2014 Mazda Mazda5 delivers exactly what it has set out to – a pleasant driving experience for the relatively affordable price of $21,995. So, if you’re looking to buy a car that would benefit your new family, then the 2014 Mazda5 is certainly worth a consideration.

General Specs

Engine

2.5000 L

Horsepower @RPM

157

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Body type

Sedan

Number of Doors

5

Passenger

6

Drive Train

Front Wheel Drive

Transmission Type

Manual

Power and Performance:

Every 2014 Mazda 5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport trim, while a five-speed automatic is optional on the Sport and standard on everything else.

The 2014 Mazda5's interior is best described in one word: functional. With room for six passengers, fold-flat second and third rows, and convenient storage areas such as under-seat cubbies in the 2nd-row captain's chairs, there's plenty of space for people and stuff. A caveat does come with that last row, though. The two 3rd-row seats are small and most suitable for children. The second row, on the other hand, offers plenty of individual space and commendable legroom. The leather-trimmed seats on the top-line Grand Touring model lend a nicer feel (literally), but overall, the interior amenities lag behind comparable versions of larger minivans.

Mazda equips every Mazda5 with a set of front-seat side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags covering all three rows. Driver control is enhanced via the standard anti-lock braking system, electronic traction control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Traction control helps eliminate wheel slippage on snow and ice, while DSC can help the driver regain control when the car skids from its intended path.

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